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Nonstop to Cairo has returned with the new single “Million Dollar Space”. The track comes from the band’s forthcoming KAI album, the band’s first in five years. Front man August Harris and guitarist Nick Diamond share a longtime relationship that provides the band’s foundation. The fully-on musical vision they bring to bear on both their debut Dabble Heavy and its successor mark them as among the indie music world’s most promising projects.
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There’s an accompanying sense of tragedy going along with this release. Trumpet player/keyboardist Kevin Anand Itwaru died before the single’s recording and Nonstop to Cairo regards the single and full album as a tribute to their fallen friend – the album title is Itwaru’s initials. Despite the grief they are undoubtedly experiencing, Nonstop to Cairo’s “Million Dollar Space” doesn’t come across as downbeat or dispirited.
It has a strong groove that, if nothing else would, keeps you coming back for more. The band are proficient with hip-hop, ska, and funk, but the latter rules the day over this particular song. It doesn’t manifest itself, however, in cliched popping bass lines, paint-by-number lyrics, but in the aforementioned groove and the tight interplay between the song’s players. Diamond’s guitar handles the duel task of creating sparks with the band and playing off Harris’ voice with equal aplomb.
Nonstop to Cairo benefits, as well, from tight songwriting that holds listener’s attention. There are no extended instrumental breaks; the focus is laser-sharp from the outset and, as a result, listeners won’t turn away. The stellar production ensures the single packs enough wallop to physically engage the audience, but it isn’t another minor battle on the ongoing “loudness” wars often afflicting modern productions. Instead, there’s a sense of artistry and restraint active at all times during the song.
They’ve hit upon the right length for the track. Nonstop to Cairo’s “Million Dollar Space” are careful to never overstay their welcome with listeners – if anything, you’ll be left wanting more by the track’s end. Brass in an important part of the band’s musical identity and that’s no different during this song; the horn playing throughout the song is fantastic, but especially excels in the song’s second half.
Diamond’s guitar playing is potent when paired with forceful keyboards as it is here. He’s an inventive player able to call upon a host of recognizable tropes while giving them an individual spin. It’s perhaps the key to the band’s success. They are embarrassed, far from it, by sharing common reference points with whatever has come before, but they put a decisively personal stamp on the familiar that will prod many to listen and keep doing so.
Nonstop to Cairo were out of the arena for a bit, but “Million Dollar Space” announces their return with authority. It’s a song you’ll have a great time listening and moving to, without question, but it’s musically substantive as well and holds up under repeated spins. They’ve released a crackerjack single with “Million Dollar Space” and it deserves all the success coming its way.
Jennifer Munoz
